David Brewster

Seattle, like many other cities, has built its arts facilities as a way to "save" downtown. But now, many cities such as Los Angeles are realizing that congestion, costs, and public safety are combining to create rival performance venues in nearby suburbs. That's happening here.

After the Civil War, the area was discovered by wealthy, horse-keeping Manhattanites. In the time-honored pattern, they built summer cottages there and later turned them into Gatsby-like mansions.

Nothing like a failed coup to provide cover for a dictator to crack down on enemies.

At the head of the list of desirable new directions is a new theme for downtown as a series of distinct residential neighborhoods.

It may be that Crosscut, which can seem reliably "woke," is seeking to adjust its editorial formula for solid journalistic reasons. 

Among the setbacks: The defeat of the Commons levies turned out to be a last hurrah for the Seattle Establishment (architects, parks advocates, housing activists), and it greatly discouraged the progressive forces and money.

Ideas for reviving local arts: a Summer Festival to raise the standards, and the revival of PONCHO.

The arts in our region definitely need new funding, but this new source is likely to have lots of strings attached, and the funds would be spread widely to smaller groups as well as heritage organizations.

When it comes to the affordable housing crisis, maybe the way forward is the way back.

KING FM seems to have found its footing, after decades of floundering. It has emerged from soothing background music to active listening.